Vodka is a clear alcohol made from distilling fermented substances such as grain – creating a drink that has a high alcohol content. Vodka is used in a number of ways and is a very versatile spirit – however, by placing vodka into mixers (such as lemonade or energy drinks) often enables even those who dislike vodka to enjoy beverages that contain the spirit. Often referred to as “Yucca”, the origins of this lemony punch are unknown – but it is favored by many people as a refreshing alcoholic beverage due to the fact that it masks the strong taste of the alcohol.
Ingredients
The ingredients below will make up enough vodka punch to serve 20 -25 people as an accompaniment if additional beverages such as beers/ciders, wine and soft drinks are served. If this is to be the sole beverage available, this would serve approximately 15-20 people, although having additional ingredients on hand is often advisable in case a second batch is required if the punch is popular.
- 4 Bottles Vodka
- 2.5 Gallons of Lemonade or Sprite
- 30 Lemons – chopped into fairly large pieces (as an alternative, use 15 lemons and 15 limes)
- Sugar to cover the lemons well
- Ice
Additional Requirements
- Large capacity bowl or new buckets in which to make the punch
- Large serving bowl with ladle
- Long-handled spoon for stirring the punch
Preparation
- Take the chopped lemons and place them in the preparation containers, and sprinkle a generous amount of sugar over the lemons and stir. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the sugar to seep the juice out of the lemons.
- Pour the vodka into the containers over the lemons, stir, and set aside for 5-10 minutes.
- Just before serving, add the lemonade to the container and decant into the serving dish (including some of the lemon pieces). Thereafter, add plenty of ice, and serve.
Alternative Punch
Should you want to make this for a smaller party and don’t require the large volumes detailed in the recipe above, this recipe is better suited to dinners with a fewer number of guests.
Ingredients
- 1 Bottle Vodka
- 8 Lemons – juiced
- 2 Limes – juiced
- 2 Cups of sugar
- 6 Cups of water
- Ice
Preparation
- Dissolve the sugar in the water in a large pan on medium heat, stirring to ensure that all the sugar is dissolved.
- Set aside to cool slightly, and add the juice of the lemons and limes.
- Pour the mixture into a jug, and add the vodka and stir.
- Chill in the refrigerator until completely cooled, and serve over ice.
Tami Struwig - Tami is a freelance writer who currently writes from her home in South Africa, while her two Labradors lounge at her feet. She is ...
